Drug Demand Reduction Program

About the Drug Demand Reduction Program (DDRP)

Drug use is incompatible with DoD military and public service. The abuse of illicit drugs can impair performance, and negatively impact readiness in the hazardous conditions unique to the military work environment. Illicit drug abuse has the potential to compromise National interests when individuals in security sensitive positions abuse drugs. The Department of Defense (DoD) Drug Demand Reduction Program (DDRP) was mandated in 1981 and was given the mission to deter DoD personnel from abusing illicit drugs or misuse prescription drugs.

The DoD DDRP policy for military service members is promulgated in DoD Instruction 1010.01 with detailed guidance concerning drug testing procedures contained in DoD Instruction 1010.16. The DoD DDRP policy for civilian personnel is contained in DoD Instruction 1010.09. The DoD DDRP is aligned with DoD policies that pertain to readiness within the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness. Management and delegation of authority for the DDRP has been given to the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Readiness

The Program components include compulsory random drug testing with punitive consequences, anti-drug education and outreach programs. The effectiveness of this program is measured by monitoring the prevalence of drug use from drug testing statistics published annually with a the 2% or less urine drug positive rate for military personnel and a 1% urine drug positive rate for DoD civilians in Testing Designated Positions. An additional source of determining the effectiveness of the DDRP is the DoD Survey of Health Related Behaviors. The DoD survey is conducted every three years as an additional measure of effectiveness because it is independent from the drug testing program. The specific metric from the survey monitored is self-reported use of illicit drugs and misuse of prescription drugs within the past 30 days.

Mission Statement:

The Department of Defense (DoD) Drug Demand Reduction Program (DDRP) mission is to prevent drug abuse through education, outreach, and awareness programs, and detect and deter DoD civilian and military personnel from using illicit drugs and misusing prescription drugs.

These efforts are mandated by Public Law, Presidential Directives, and/or Secretary of Defense Memorandums. Drug use is incompatible with DoD military and public service. The abuse of illicit drugs can impair an individual’s combat effectiveness and negatively impact the safety and well being of other military members in hostile environments.

Drug use can lead to compromised safety and national security in handling of sensitive information. The DoD DDRP policy for military and civilian members is promulgated in DoD Directives 1010.01 and 1010.09, respectively. The DDRP has two primary components. First, pre-employment/pre-accession and compulsory random drug testing with punitive consequences; and, second a program anti-drug education and training on the hazards of drug dependency, misuse, and abuse.